Agenda item

With reference to article 25 of the minute of its meeting of 5 December 2013, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Housing and Environment which provided an update on progress in relation to the regeneration of Middlefield and the proposed Haudagain junction improvements.

The report recommended:–

that the Committee -

(a)       note the letter of comfort received from Transport Scotland;

(b)       note the indicative costs (£8m) for the regeneration of Middlefield without the proposed Haudagain improvements should the Scottish Government or one of its agencies refuse to commit to the project;

(c)        note the risk profile;

(d)       agree to continue with the current Asset Management Strategy established since 2008 to discontinue capital investment in area 1 on the attached zonal map until such time as plans for the Haudagain upgrade were finalised;

(e)       instruct the Directors of Housing and Environment and Corporate Governance to report back in September 2014 with a feasibility study and proposals to re-house the directly affected tenants in Middlefield and to regenerate the wider Middlefield Area; this should include proposals to relocate affected community facilities;

(f)        instruct the Directors of Housing and Environment and Corporate Governance, to report back in September 2014 with potential funding solutions for the new build and regeneration proposals, noting that the Council had previously expressed the view that the Scottish Government should meet the cost of relocating the affected community facilities.  The Scottish Government should also be asked to consider what additional financial support could be given to the new build and regeneration proposals for Middlefield; and

(g)       instruct officers to consult with the residents of Middlefield on new housing and regeneration matters and that the results of the consultation be reported back in September 2014.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:

that the Committee –

(1)       thank the Minister for Transport and Veterans, Keith Brown MSP, for attending today’s meeting;

(2)       note the letter of comfort from Transport Scotland and the risk analysis set out at paragraph 4.5 of the report, noting that the letter fell short of providing a legal guarantee should the Scottish Government renege on its verbal promise in relation to the Haudagain upgrade and Middlefield regeneration;

(3)       in the offered spirit of co-operation to instruct officers to approach the Minister of Housing and Welfare to discuss Scottish Government support in the event of a shortfall arising between the compensation paid and the replacement of the lost homes; and

(4)       approve the recommendations as contained in the report.

Councillor McCaig moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Noble:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations as contained in the report; and in the offered spirit of co-operation to instruct officers to approach the Minister of Housing and Welfare to discuss Scottish Government support in the event of a shortfall arising between the compensation paid and the replacement of the lost homes.

On a division, there voted:- For the motion (9) - the Convener; the Vice Convener; and Councillors Allan, Donnelly, Ironside, Grant, Laing, Milne and Reynolds.  For the amendment (6) - Councillors Cameron, Dickson, Jackie Dunbar, McCaig, Noble and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.